Audiences have seen numerous superheroes on the big screen. Plenty of their cinematic adventures are origin stories, executing the same plot beats time and time again. It can be tough to stand out in such a crowded market.
That said, some origins still distinguish themselves. A handful of movies introduce their comic icons in ways unique from their peers. The novelty can come from execution or even the backstory itself. Either way, these formative tales break the mold and continue engrossing audiences to this day. Considering how oversaturated comic book flicks are, that is a feat unachievable by the most super of strength.
8 Superman: Superman (1978 Film)
The grandfather of comic book blockbusters, Richard Donner's Superman proved that these costumed crime-fighters can work on the big screen in a dramatic light. The filmmakers don't treat it as a joke. They adapt the Man of Steel's origin with the respect of a biblical epic. A boy learns his extraterrestrial origins, and he uses the power of his people to aid his new home on Earth, finding his purpose in the process. What's more is he accomplishes this while maintaining his humanity.
That largely comes down to Donner. His vision treasures the innocence of the character. This informs everything from the old-time setting to the upbeat music to Christopher Reeve's inimitably noble performance. Superman promises, "You'll believe a man can fly," and it keeps that promise with a big, old smile.
7 Spider-Man: Spider-Man (2002 Film)
The eponymous web-head has had numerous big-screen adventures, but his debut is still one of the most beloved. Like with Superman, that's because a comparable love is apparent in the film. Sam Raimi's Spider-Man translates the hero's comic origin with loyal reverence practically unheard of in a blockbuster. A nerdy kid gets spider powers, becomes full of himself, loses a loved one, and resolves to use his gifts for good from then on. The impactful plot beats and iconography are exactly how readers remember, and the time spent on these elements gives them an infectious emotionality. Raimi clearly prizes this material as much as fans do.
Despite that adherence, the movie still bears his distinctively zany voice as a director. Both the action and visual storytelling have a kinetic energy which has never been matched in any other Spider-Man flick. It's ironic, then, that Spider-Man is still the prototype for superhero origin tales. Given how gracefully it hits all the marks, though, it's easy to see why.
6 Wolverine: X2: X-Men United
Most mutants in the X-Men universe lead lonely lives due to prejudice, but Wolverine's story is tragic even by those standards. The victim of experimentation, Logan had indestructible metal grafted onto his entire skeleton, including his retractable claws. The people in charge wanted to make him a weapon, so they erased his memory. Afterwards, he wanders aimlessly through the country, clueless about his life beforehand. The most he gets are brief flashes of trauma while he sleeps.
Those flashes and hints are part of what make Wolverine so intriguing. The filmmakers dole them out in intense pieces, so audiences naturally want to know more. This is especially effective in X2, where Logan simultaneously learns about his past and confronts it. Ironically, when viewers finally get a full picture later in the series, the result is far less interesting.
5 Batman: Batman Begins
After past failures, this film reinvigorated the Batman series by going back to his roots. Viewers see the traumatic murder which shook a young boy's world and the corrupt city that spawned such a crime. It shows who he is and why he becomes the Dark Knight, and it's all done with the operatic eloquence of a Christopher Nolan thriller.
Of course, Nolan and company take a few liberties with the legend, but the changes are appropriate. Having Batman garner his skills from the League of Shadows/Assassins and confront a fear-based chemical only enhance the thematic resonance. More importantly, these additions go hand-in-hand with Batman's story, mirroring his motives and helping him grow into his own. In the end, the movie trusts in its hero, his journey, and the inherent pathos. That's why it still holds such a special place in Bat-fans' hearts.
4 V: V For Vendetta
Like Wolverine, the mysterious V is the product of sadistic experiments. Also like Wolverine, that tragedy unfolds in flashbacks. It's part of an elaborate puzzle, one which keeps you consistently hooked. Every event and every sight shapes him in some way, from Guy Fawkes to fellow inmates during his incarceration. Audiences get a thorough understanding of how society creates such figures. Moreover, it makes him perfectly geared toward this setting and its story.
Perhaps no superhero has been so closely tied to his world as V. As a result, viewers can easily identify with the messages he presents. This means it's all the more believable that he inspires rebellion. You don't doubt that this radical figure is needed to solve such deep-seated problems.
3 David Dunn: Unbreakable
This unassuming guardian has no comic source material, but he's no less inspired than more established caped crusaders. Seemingly a normal security guard, David is the sole survivor of a catastrophic train crash. That alone would be miraculous, but he walks away without a scratch. The enigmatic Elijah Price proposes that he's one of a select few people with superhuman gifts. These individuals secretly inspired the superheroes seen in comic books.
This is exactly the high-concept story one would expect from M. Night Shyamalan in his prime. He constantly makes audiences question whether this man truly is a superhuman or if there's another explanation. The themes of believing in the extraordinary mirror David's own skepticism, and it's made even juicer with the twists typical of the filmmaker. How perfect that Elijah, the one who opens David's eyes, does so by making himself the villain. It recontextualizes everything, cementing David's journey among the more intriguing origins.
2 Megamind: Megamind
Leaning on the comedic side might put people off, but Megamind has an originality far ahead of its time. Simply put, the hero is the villain. The eponymous alien was forced into the "bad guy" role because of societal expectations, constantly pitted against the people's champion: Metro Man. He embraces this villainous role and becomes pretty good at it, but this has an unintended effect. Namely, he develops a thorough understanding of what a hero is. Lacking purpose, Megamind takes his life into his own hands.
His is an introspective journey which unfolds organically. Audiences easily empathize with the flamboyant villain not just because he's entertaining, but because of his gradual turn. Considering the conventions this film breaks, it's shocking how natural the protagonist's internal struggle feels. This just goes to show that heroism can come from the most unexpected places.
1 Zorro: The Mark Of Zorro (1940 Film)
It's a classic tale of a defender of the downtrodden. Diego de la Vega returns from abroad to find the people of California oppressed by the aristocracy. He then dons a disguise and fights for those people, using his sword skills to combat anyone who would do them harm. That's not to say he doesn't enjoy himself with his heavy mission.
Zorro emerges as a figure of hope. A swashbuckling swagger informs his persona. That sense of fun carries through the film, shown in both the high-flying action scenes and his heroic deeds. Such tales have always endured because they're so uplifting. In the end, that's what superheroes are all about.